Note: Javascript is disabled or is not supported by your browser. For this reason, some items on this page will be unavailable. For more information about this message, please visit this page: About CDC.gov.

Press Release

Tips on Managing Heat and Heat-Related Illnesses

Current as of August 2000 and replaces preceding heat tips releases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges you to take steps to avoid
heat-related illnesses. People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies' temperature
control systems overload and their bodies can no longer cool themselves.

Tips on Managing Heat

The best defense is prevention.

Here are some prevention tips:

Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until
you're thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid
you drink or has you on water pills, ask the doctor how much you should drink while the
weather is hot.

Don't drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar-these
actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks because these can
cause stomach cramps.

Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home
does not have air-conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library-even a few
hours spent in air-conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the
heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in
your area.

Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans
will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an
air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

If you must be out in the heat:

Try to be outdoors before noon or in the evening.

Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink 2-4 glasses of cool, non-alcoholic
fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a
sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first "tip" (above), too.

Try to rest often in shady areas.

Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler)
and sunglasses, and putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective
products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their
labels).

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

Check regularly on those at greatest risk of heat-related illness:

Infants and children up to 4 years of age.

People aged 65 or older.

People who have a mental illness or are retarded .

Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Visit adults at risk at least two times a day and closely watch them for signs
of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more
frequent watching.

Heat-Related Illnesses

The two worst types of heat-related illness are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion can include:

Heavy sweating.

Paleness.

Muscle cramps.

Tiredness or weakness.

Dizziness or headache.

A "sick stomach" feeling or vomiting ("throwing" or "throwing
up").

Faintness ("falling out").

If these symptoms are severe or the person has heart problems or high blood pressure,
get medical help right away. Otherwise, help the person cool off by having him do these
things:

Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages such as water.

Rest.

Take a cool sponge bath (or if the person can stand safely or be moved to a tub, help
him take a cool shower or bath).

Change to lightweight clothing.

Most importantly, move to an air-conditioned place such a shopping mall, or local
heat-relief shelter if your city or town has these (these often include the public
libraries, senior centers, or recreational buildings).

Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than 1 hour. If untreated, heat
exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a very serious condition. Up to 40% of people with
heat stroke may die due to brain damage, even when they get appropriate medical help.

Warning signs of heat stroke can include:

A body temperature of 103 degrees or higher

Red, hot, and dry skin (although some victims may sweat).

Throbbing headache or dizziness.

"Sick stomach" feeling.

Confusion or unconsciousness ("passing out").

If you think someone may have heat stroke, call the medical emergency phone number
(usually 911) in your area right away, or if you can't do that, call a hospital or
doctor. Don't wait! Heat stroke is a medical emergency! These are actions you
can take while you wait for help to arrive:

Move the person to a shady area.

Use water to cool the person (for example, put the person in a tub of cool water, spray
him with water from a garden hose, or sponge him off with cool water).